Bruce slams Gyan 'parasites'

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has branded those people trying to unsettle Asamoah Gyan with talk of high-profile moves as 'parasites'.

By Chris Burton

Last Updated: 09/09/11 2:44pm

Gyan: Had his head turned by talk of a money-spinning move elsewhere

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has branded those people trying to unsettle Asamoah Gyan with talk of high-profile moves as 'parasites'.

The Ghana international was the subject of intense transfer speculation throughout the summer, with numerous clubs reported to be preparing a late raid as deadline day approached.

A switch to Turkey was said to be on the cards, while deals with sides all over Europe were touted at some stage.

Bruce has been left incensed by the speculation, as he has no intention of parting with a player he spent big money on.

He believes the hype which followed Gyan's impressive performance for his country in a friendly date with England in March is to blame for the constant gossip, but he believes the endless rounds of rumours have done him, the player and Sunderland few favours.

Bruce said: "Since that game at Wembley, all the parasites, as I call them, hover around. People are in his ear constantly trying to engineer a deal for him.

Troubled

"Certainly since the England game, when he played at Wembley so well on the night, something has been troubling him.

"It's very difficult, the constant speculation no matter what you try to quash or quell, and the people around him, the people who want to make a fast buck, shall we say, and it affects him in the end.

"He was going from Real Madrid to Bayern Munich to Valencia to Atletico Madrid.

"We have had a discussion with him and he needs now to focus and get himself back on track again and be the Asamoah Gyan we know he is capable of.

"These things affect these players, and it has affected Asa. I had a conversation with him two days ago to say, 'Look, the window has now closed, Asa. We need to see you back playing again and back the way you know you can play'."